Intubation is a frequent procedure in the intensive care unit, often performed in an emergency. Because of patients' clinical condition with little physiological reserve, intubation in the critically ill patients is associated with increased risk of complications. A systematic patient's assessment and a codified and rigorous preparation of the team and equipment significantly reduce the risks of intubation. The purpose of this article is to summarize the different strategies that allow maximizing safety of intubation in the critically ill.